Gary Collins' wife of 43 years needs a time out in her marriage to the TV host ... TMZ has learned she filed Monday for legal separation.

Mary Ann Mobley -- who won the Miss America title in 1959 -- is "miserable about the whole situation" ... this according to her rep who spoke with TMZ.

Mary Ann is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation as she deals with stage 3 breast cancer. Mary Ann's rep tells us Gary is depressed about her illness and they both felt they needed a break.

The rep says no other person is involved in the separation.

Gary has had his own problems, after being arrested 3 times and convicted twice for DUI.

The date of separation is listed as October 1, 2010 -- nearly a year ago.

http://www.tmz.com/

http://www1.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/6th+Annual+Pair+Concert+Arrivals+UjVPL4dVxegl.jpg

What a tragic state of affairs. So sad for both Collins and Mobley...loved them both in the 70's when they seemed to get a lot of TV work, always seemed to be the perfect couple. I hope they can overcome their demons and come together in this very trying time.

What a tragic state of affairs. So sad for both Collins and Mobley...loved them both in the 70's when they seemed to get a lot of TV work, always seemed to be the perfect couple. I hope they can overcome their demons and come together in this very trying time.




Wow, that is so sad! Hope that she beats it. :(

Had not heard this before. Hope things get better for them both,also hope Mary Ann beats that awful disease.

Oh my goodness - I am so sorry to hear all this. God bless them both...I hope all turns out for the best.

I hope she beats it too. Wow. My sister was close to early stage two adn she beat it. I wish her well.